Arab Cup Preview: Past Numbers Put Saudi in Pole Position Against Oman

The Saudi national team is gearing up for the Arab Cup, which kicks off tomorrow and runs through December 18. The squad is eager to test itself on home soil and chase a trophy later this year.

The draw placed Saudi in Group B with Morocco, Oman, and Comoros. The Greens open against Oman on December 2, then meet Comoros on December 5, before facing Morocco on December 8.

History and Stats: Saudi's Edge over Oman

Past head-to-head records give Saudi an overwhelming edge over Oman, having faced each other 25 times in friendly and official matches.

The first meeting came in April 1976 at the Gulf Cup 4, when Saudi won 3-1, and the biggest Saudi win against Oman occurred in the 1984 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 6-0 victory.

Saudi enjoyed a 13-win streak over Oman across all competitions, but recent meetings have narrowed the gap: in the last 11 clashes, Saudi has won three, drawn four, and Oman has claimed the other four.

All told, Saudi has 17 victories to Oman’s four, with four draws.

Saudi's Arab Cup Squad and Preparations

The French coach Hervé Renard has named a 23-man squad for the Arab Cup 2025, including: goalkeepers Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Raghid Najar, Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi; defenders Abdulilah Al-Omari, Walid Al-Ahmad, Nawaf Boushl, Mohammed Suleiman, Jihad Zakri, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Ali Mujrashi; midfield Murad Al-Hosawi, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Musab Al-Juwair, Mohammed Kanno, Abdulallah Al-Khabri, Ayman Yahya, Nasser Al-Dosari; forwards Saleh Al-Dosari, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Abdulrahman Al-Hamdan, Saleh Al-Shehri, Firas Al-Brekan, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat. Renard also left out six players: Saud Abdulhameed, Sultan Mandash, Muteb Al-Harbi, Mohammed Al-Rubaei, Ziad Al-Jahni, and Marwan Al-Sahafi.

The team began preparations in Doha, with light and conditioning sessions expected to continue as players from top clubs return from domestic duty. Players also did recovery work at the Aspire Zone using bicycles.

There is also talk that the Saudi Football Federation could postpone the tenth round of the Roshen League if the team advances to the Arab Cup final, with dates potentially shifting the schedule around the King Cup semi-finals and the international window in late March.

Caption: Getty Images coverage of the Saudi squad during training sessions ahead of the Arab Cup.

These paragraphs provide a comprehensive map of how Saudi is approaching the Arab Cup, including the group stage opponents, the historical context, and the current squad selection.

Punchline time: If Saudi wins, the trophy might demand a passport—it's booked more flights than the players have had hot breakfasts. If they lose, at least the memes will have a longer shelf life than the league schedule. And yes, I’m clearly consulting the calendar for dramatic effect, not for a mid-season snack break.